Non-Judicial Case Manager (103119)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for a talented Non-Judicial Child Welfare Case Manager who wants to make an impact in the lives of children and families.

Purpose & Impact:

The CWCM must successfully complete the Child Protection Professional training and examination, all field-based requirements for certification, and achieve certification within 1 year of hire date or 1 year from completion of Pre-Service Exam.

During the time that the CWCM is attending pre-service training and working to achieve certification as a Child Protection Professional, the CWCM is expected to become proficient in identifying and assessing client and family needs of minors placed in care by DCF due to abuse or neglect by caretakers, with the ultimate goal of permanency. Under the supervision of the CWCM Supervisor, the CWCM evaluates, coordinates and ensures necessary services and/or treatment are provided; completes required assessments; assists individuals and families by using such activities as delineating alternatives, helping to articulate goals and providing needed information.

Essential Functions:

• Attend formal instruction (Phase I Child Protection Certification training program).
• Conduct child safety assessments.
• Assess client needs and develop Safety Plans, case plans, and visitation plans as needed.
• Coordinate the delivery of services, service plan referrals and linkages to clients and families.
• Monitor case plan task compliance and progress while evaluating reports from multiple service providers.
• Develop and maintain case and program documentation according to contract and agency standards (safety assessments, progress updates, FSFN notes, Staffing paperwork, court paperwork, etc.)
• Prepare case/status reports
• Coordinate services with other professionals and paraprofessionals.
• Conduct community outreach
• Provide support to children, caregivers and family members to assure stable placement and timely achievement of permanency.
• Assist family/caregivers in accessing health care coverage and other needed services for children.
• Coordinate cases with supervisor, team members, providers, and other various agency partners.
• Facilitate placement and independent living skills as appropriate.
• Assist in removing and placing children.
• Arrange or provide transportation of clients when needed.
• Arrange for drug/alcohol screens, as necessary.
• Provide on call support as required or scheduled.
• Participate in the Quality Improvement process.
• Appear in court as appropriate.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to sit and work in from the computer/video display screen for extended periods of time. Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and some weekends.

Qualifications:

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in human services or a related field from an accredited college or university with two (2) years of related experience OR an advanced degree in social work or a comparable human service field.
• Must obtain Florida Child Welfare Certification within 12 months from date of successful completion of Pre-Service Post Test. Candidates must successfully complete the State Certified training and exam; a structured period of observation in and out of the office, including home and field visits.
• Complete a minimum of 40 hours of in-service training each full year of employment. The in-service training must include but not be limited to, indicators of child abuse, neglect and abandonment; substance abuse; community resources; independent living, and other related topics to child welfare.
• Complete agency-based courses as part of agency orientation.
• Valid driver’s license and insurance in good standing

Competencies (Skills/Knowledge & Abilities)

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret regulatory documents, contracts, policies and case records. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from management, staff, clients, and outside agencies. Ability to effectively present information to children and families, management, employees, and outside agencies.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Able to anticipate needs and/or problems based on current events and/or situations and to develop solutions.
• Ability to work as a team member and leader.
• Possesses a conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.
• Ability to forge mutually respectful partnerships with the individuals served, other staff members, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and others with whom he or she comes into contact.
• Possesses qualities which enable him or her to work well with others such as sensitivity, flexibility, emotional maturity, ability to work with frustration and conflict, a sense of humor, and the capacity to respect persons with differing lifestyles and philosophies.
• Understanding of the role cultural identity plays in motivating human behavior.
• Ability to work in a culturally competent manner with individuals from a variety of ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 
• Professional appearance and behavior including, but not limited to, reporting to work at the scheduled time, working as scheduled, and seldom being absent from work.
• Exercises effective problem-solving techniques, tackles issues directly, and makes timely decisions based on factual information.
• Ability to attend to details.
• Organizational abilities, including ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to research and analyze.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Computer skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Positive attitude
• Self-starter with high energy and a positive attitude
• Adherence to all agency policies              
• Work collaboratively with coworkers and program staff
• Accurate, complete and timely submission of required reports
• Adherence to Agency policies and management practices
• Quality of service delivery to clients and program staff
• Adherence to all requirements of funding sources
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Why Work With LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization. 

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Teladoc (24/7 access to doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term disability
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary), AD&D
• Health and dependent care FSA
• 13 paid holidays 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match
• Tuition reimbursement

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.